RoundGlass Punjab FC one win away from the title after win against Churchill Brothers

by Chittu Shetty March 1, 2023

RoundGlass Punjab FC (RGPFC) is just one win away from securing the I – League title after they comprehensively beat Churchill Brothers FC 3 – 1 in a Round 20 fixture of the Hero I-League.

The overseas attacking trio of Luka Majcen, Chencho Gylteshen and Juan scored for the winners while Martin Chaves scored the consolation goal for the side from Goa.

RGPFC coach Staikos Vergetis named an unchanged line-up from the last match for the must-win encounter. Churchill Brothers started without their regular goalkeeper Albino Gomes, Nora Fernandes starting in his place. RGPFC went in attack from the kick-off, putting pressure on the Churchill Brothers’ defence. They had two half chances to open the scoring but could not capitalise with Brandon scuffing his shot and Luka’s header falling safely for the keeper.

Churchill Brothers also had their chance to score in the half but Emmanuel Yaghir’s shot was saved by RGPFC keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu. All pressure of RGPFC showed results in the 27th minute with a wonderful team goal. Brandon Vanlalremdika received the ball from midfield in the left wing who found Chencho Gylteshen inside the box. Chencho deflected the ball towards the path of Luka Majcen who coolly finished past the Churchill keeper, taking his tally for the season to 13 goals.

RGPFC scored their second goal ten minutes into the second half. Chencho received the ball near the penalty box and skipped past two defenders before expertly finishing past Churchill keeper Nora Fernandes, aided by a deflection of Churchill captain Momo Sisse. Churchill became more active after conceding the second goal trying to unsettle the RGPFC defence who were having a quiet game until then.

Uruguayan Martin Chaves and Ghanaian Emmanuel Yaghir tested the RGPFC keeper but could not score. Sharif Mohammad also hit the post from a free kick. On the other end Juan Mera and Luka Majcen were at their brilliant best giving the Churchill defence all sorts of trouble. The combination of Luka, Juan Mera and Chencho created and scored the third goal for the hosts in the 79th minute Luka found Chencho on the left wing and he squared in a pass to Juan Mera whose right-footed flick rolled past the Churchill keeper to score his 9th goal of the season.

Churchill Brothers did find one goal back through Martin Chaves in the 83rd minute. Sharif Mohammad found Emmanuel Yaghir and the forward’s cross was met well by Martin Chaves who finished past Kiran Kumar making it a consolation for the away side. Juan Mera was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his brilliant performance.

RGPFC have 46 points from twenty matches while Churchill Brothers FC have 29 points from twenty matches. RGPFC will face Rajasthan United FC on 4th March at the Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.

Also Read: Sheen Sohktung’s injury-time goal takes Meghalaya to a historic final

Also Read: Mumbai Knights rout Rudra FC, Oranje FC and Silver Innings secure vital victories